Gov. Peter Shumlin’s State of the State address spoke to the narcotic epidemic in which we find ourselves. We have a serious problem. The drug seduces at risk adults, usually young adults, who can become addicted and then spend the rest of their life dealing with it. No one wants to be a narcotic addict.
What makes someone fall into the trap of narcotic abuse? How can we help stem the tide that appears to be going the wrong way?
Recently, the entire Vermont legislative body and a large and diverse group of Vermont health and social service providers were brought together to learn about a powerful tool that has the ability to help us understand who is at increased risk to become a narcotic abuser, as well as face increased risk for other serious problems like mental illness, alcoholism, cigarettes addiction, anger and violence issues, teen pregnancy and teen suicide, and physical health issues like heart disease and obesity.
Dr. Vincent Felitti, author of the ACE study (www.cdc.gov/ace/) came to Vermont to describe the profound implications for children who grow up with too many adverse childhood experiences (ACE). The ACE study looks at how the emotional environment of the child impacts on the subsequent life of the adult. The study asks common questions like was a parent absent, depressed or alcoholic? Was the child neglected? Was there violence in the family? The child with too many adverse childhood events is at increased risk for narcotic abuse, as well as many other tough social and physical health problems.
In my role as a family medicine physician it is apparent that emotional health drives the show. We are emotional beings, and we do better if we feel well. An emotionally secure baby is likely to be a sturdier and happier child. The adult with a more secure emotional foundation is likely to be more successful as a parent, partner, and community member.
Op-ed: Prevention starts with babies (Vermont)
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